Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle district of the Southern Province. Its proximity to the ocean and its presence on the south bank of the Bentota River make it the perfect tourist destination. Its history is deeply intertwined with its Portuguese occupation and settlement. Street Market in Bentota is one of the most popular activities mentioned by tourists and locals. In addition to its watersports activities, local alcohol production and Ayurveda practice, Bentota offers incredible shopping experiences for visitors. Bentota shopping includes local street shopping, including clothes, jewellery, antiques, accessories etc.
Shop Till You Drop: Best Bentota Shopping Places
Check out the best places to shop in Bentota and immerse yourself in the local culture by indulging in their shopping habits and markets.
1. Aluthgama Market
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Aluthgama is a small beach town separated from Bentota by a bridge. The Aluthgama market is a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike owing to the various stalls and roadside shops. These shops sell vegetables, fruits, and local produce and attract large crowds of people looking to bargain their purchases. The market is held every Monday and takes about an hour to explore in its entirety. There are also a lot of food stalls here serving Halal food due to the large presence of Muslim residents in the area. Visitors should usually travel to the market in the early hours of the morning since the produce is fresh. Visitors are also advised to be respectful and mindful of the public conduct in their area.
Must Read: Restaurants In Bentota
2. Bentota Bazaar
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This bazaar has some of the best Bentota souvenir shops in the area. Situated in the middle of the town of Bentota, the Bentota Bazaar is a local market that houses everything one might want to see of the area. Items such as Batik textiles, mementoes, and gifts are made using decorated and carved wood and brassware. The bazaar is also well-known for souvenirs and wood carvings, so don’t forget to get gifts for your friends and family back home. The prices here are government-approved so one need not worry about the high cost of products.
3. Meetiyagoda
Image Credit: By Géry PARENT for Wikimedia Commons
Meetiyagoda is a brilliant street market in Bentota for gemstones, especially moonstone. Moonstone has both ornamental and astrological purposes and is widely used for making semi-precious jewellery. In addition to moonstones, people can also look out for other types of semi-precious jewellery, such as gemstone jewellery and other statement pieces. It is undoubtedly one of the best Bentota shopping places out there.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Bentota
4. Sunflower Arts and Crafts
If you are into handicrafts and would like to try your hand at wood crafting, then Sunflower Arts and Crafts is for you! It is an artisan shop that offers a wide range of paintings, statues, and art and craft pieces that are completely handmade or using simple tools. The majority of these pieces are made of wood, pottery, or silver and are offered for sale at very reasonable prices. It is one of the best souvenirs that can be bought from Sri Lanka.
5. LUV SL
LUV SL is easily one of the best Bentota shopping places. It is a mall with shops selling varying items, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. LUV SL is the place to be for visitors looking to diversify their wardrobes by choosing branded clothing.
Suggested Read: Day Trips From Bentota
6. Ambalangoda
If the shopaholic in you decides to go a step forward and explore nearby towns for a more holistic shopping experience, Ambalangoda is a town best suited for you. Located forty minutes from Bentota, this town offers you more than the normal shopping experience. The town is known to be heavily influenced by myths and the mysticism associated with the supernational. Local markets are seen to have wooden devil masks for sale, which can be used ornamentally to be hung on walls or worn. According to the locals, these masks ward off evil spirits and protect homes from the evil eye. It is also known for its handicrafts such as hand-wone cotton, screens and intricately carved wooden doors, all of which can be explored in the local market.
7. Hotel Gift Shops
If you are not a big fan of roaming around in local markets but would still like to look over the handicrafts and products that Bentota has to offer, fear not! Most hotels also have gift shops on their premises to cater to foreigners who are probably not as comfortable roaming the markets. Such shops are usually controlled by the hotel staff and employ locals who may know more about the craft.
Further Read: Bentota Resorts
Now that you know more about the art of shopping in Bentota, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bentota, to this beautiful town, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka.
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Cover Image Credit: By Antonio Cristofaro for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Bentota Shopping
What can I buy from Bentota?
Bentota is a place ideal for shopping due to the sheer variety of items sold in local markets and branded stores. Local shopping in Bentota involves shopping for souvenirs and wood art. These include Batik textiles, mementoes and gift items made using decorated and carved wood and brassware.
What is Bentota known for?
Other than shopping, Bentota is also known for watersports due to its proximity to the ocean. In addition, Bentota is also popular for Ayurveda, and also for its production of an alcoholic beverage made of coconut nectar, called toddy.
What should I look for when buying gemstones in Bentota?
Sri Lanka is renowned for its gemstones, and Bentota is a good place to purchase these precious stones. When buying gemstones, ensure you are purchasing from a reputable dealer. Look for certifications and inquire about the stone's origin and quality.
What are the best places to shop for souvenirs in Bentota?
Bentota offers a variety of shops and markets perfect for picking up atypical souvenirs. The Bentota Bazaar is a must-visit, featuring a range of items from handicrafts to local spices.
Are there any shopping malls or larger retail stores in Bentota?
Bentota is more known for its local markets and speciality shops than for large shopping malls. However, nearby towns like Aluthgama, just a few kilometres away, offer more extensive shopping options.
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